Why does milk last longer than it used to?

Last updated 17/01/2024

Milk lasts longer thanks to advancements in milking and manufacturing techniques, as well as packaging processes.

Bottled milk is lasting longer on supermarket shelves and in our refrigerators at home due to a number of improved practices in the milk supply chain.

Long lasting milk starts with high quality milk being produced on the farm.

On-farm practices which improve milk quality include keeping clean and healthy cows; ensuring a clean milking environment and clean milk storage equipment; and correctly cooling the milk prior to pick up.

Improvements in milk quality testing ensure that only milk that meets quality and safety standards is then transported to dairy factories for processing.

Once the milk reaches the factory, processing techniques ensure that a safe and high quality product is produced. One of these techniques is pasteurisation which partially sterilises milk to kill harmful bacteria.

Maintaining sound cleaning practices within the dairy factory, keeping operations staff well-trained and designing plants to ensure that equipment and overall factory cleanliness is optimised, all play an important part in improving the shelf-life of milk.

Improvements in packaging technologies and the cold chains that supply milk to retail outlets have also played a critical role in ensuring that the milk delivered to consumers remains safe and tastes great for longer on our shelves.